plate no. 5816

The Broken Pitcher

oil, canvasRococoportraitfigureportraitdressflowersarchitecturepitcher

some experience helpful

Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, particularly in rendering skin tones and drapery. It also provides practice in creating a sense of depth and atmosphere through subtle value changes.

technical profile

palette complexity

brushwork visibility

value contrast

compositional simplicity

study guide

est. 20 hrs

approach — 8 steps

step 01
Create a light sketch outlining the main shapes and proportions of the figure and background elements.
step 02
Establish the background with broad washes of color, focusing on the overall value structure.
step 03
Block in the main areas of the figure, paying attention to the light and shadow patterns on the dress and skin.
step 04
Begin refining the facial features, using subtle color variations to create form and expression.
step 05
Develop the details of the dress, using highlights and shadows to suggest the folds and textures of the fabric.
step 06
Add the details of the flowers and other accessories, paying attention to their color and form.
step 07
Refine the background elements, adding details and adjusting values to create depth and atmosphere.
step 08
Add final highlights and details to complete the painting.

color palette

primary · titanium white · ivory black · raw umber · cadmium red light

secondary · yellow ochre · alizarin crimson · ultramarine blue

Mix subtle skin tones by blending white, red, yellow ochre, and a touch of blue. Achieve the silvery sheen of the dress by mixing white with small amounts of black and umber.

techniques

·portraiture
·glazing
·scumbling
·chiaroscuro
·drapery rendering

common pitfalls

→Overworking the details too early in the process.
→Failing to establish a strong value structure.
→Using colors that are too saturated or intense.
→Losing the overall sense of atmosphere and depth.

materials

surface · stretched canvas

required

·Stretched canvas (16x20 inches)
·Oil paints (titanium white, ivory black, raw umber, cadmium red light, yellow ochre, alizarin crimson, ultramarine blue)
·Assorted brushes (round and flat, sizes 2-8)
·Palette
·Linseed oil
·Odorless mineral spirits
·Palette knife
·Soft cloths